9 days in Mexico City, Cuernavaca & Puebla Itinerary

Breathtakingly large, Mexico City provides a home for almost 9 million people living in nearly 1,700 distinct neighborhoods.

On the 16th (Fri), gain insight at Iglesia de San Francisco and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Zocalo. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Sat): step into the grandiose world of Chapultepec Castle, learn more about the world around you at Museo Nacional de Antropologia, then examine the collection at Museo Frida Kahlo, and finally stop by Coyoacan.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, read our Mexico City online trip builder.

In December, daytime highs in Mexico City are 26°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Mon) early enough to drive to Cuernavaca.

Cuernavaca is the capital and largest city of the state of Morelos in Mexico. Start off your visit on the 19th (Mon): explore the ancient world of Archaeological Zone of Xochicalco and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour. On your second day here, contemplate the long history of Robert Brady Museum, then browse the exhibits of Palacio de Cortes, then take in nature's colorful creations at Jardines de Mexico, and finally relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas.

To find where to stay, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Cuernavaca online trip itinerary maker.

Traveling by car from Mexico City to Cuernavaca takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Mexico City in December; daily highs in Cuernavaca reach 31°C and lows reach 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Wed) so you can catch the bus to Puebla.

Recognized as a World Heritage Site thanks to its photogenic colonial buildings, Puebla remains one of Mexico's top destinations for architecture enthusiasts.

Bring the kids along to Africam Safari and Rosary Chapel (Capilla del Rosario). The adventure continues: pause for some serene contemplation at Puebla Cathedra, examine the collection at Museo Amparo, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at Acuario Michin Puebla, and take a stroll through Zocalo.

To see other places to visit, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Puebla road trip planner.

You can take a bus from Cuernavaca to Puebla in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. In December, Puebla is slightly colder than Cuernavaca - with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Sat) so you can take a shuttle back home.